Written by: Deb Unruh - DHS Transition Coordinator
Dickinson High School’s summer transition program - called SWEPT (Summer Work Experience Program 2021) – was a great success! Students participated in job shadows, work experiences, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and more from the beginning of June into August. Skills gained by students through the program will help them succeed in the workplace and throughout their lives.
Through the program, students job shadowed careers such as teacher, dog groomer, mortician, daycare provider, etc. Job shadows provided first-hand information on careers and allowed students to ask questions of professionals. Such opportunities are valuable when a student is deciding whether a specific career is right for them.
Many students participated in work experiences through the program as well. They worked in a variety of different jobs, helping them gain essential employment skills. Jobs students held this summer include assistant basketball coach, Harry Potter Camp assistant, food truck attendant, graphic designer, pet sitter, STEM Camp assistant, concession stand worker, and more.
Some workshops offered over the summer included topics such as:
- Finances - budgeting, the importance of good credit, healthy financial goals
- Independent Living – problem-solving, personal responsibility, improving organizational skills, cooking
- Driver’s Permit Study – provided through a partnership with the Dakota Center for Independent Living
- Tools for Employment - filling out applications, writing resumes, cover letters, interviewing
- Communication – conflict resolution, self-advocacy, communicating effectively
- Community involvement and volunteerism
Another valuable part of the SWEPT program is the new opportunity for students to participate in volunteerism. Because of this, they were able to earn an accumulative total of 88 volunteer hours. Students volunteered at several places in the community including the House of Manna, DPS Book Corral, Evergreen Senior Living facility, and more. Hours earned will count toward the 25 hours per student needed to fulfill the North Dakota graduation requirements. One freshman student already earned 18 volunteer hours toward this requirement through the SWEPT program!
Many other activities students participated in also count toward Choice Ready requirements for high school graduation in North Dakota. Perhaps the most rewarding result of student engagement in the program is the increased confidence students gained through participating in various activities. None of that would have happened without the hard work from SWEPT staff, as well as collaboration with DHS staff, community partners, and area businesses. Most important to the program’s successes are the students who chose to participate and the parents who supported them.